Previous Work

EarthColours by Archroma for Kathmandu

May 2017

Problem: Brand needed a sustainable innovation from raw material supply chain that could be launched and applied to acommercial product. 
Solution: Partner with Archroma on a their patented and traceable vegetable dye made from agricultural waste. Signed on Kathmandu supplier partner to engage in the propriety dye process. Combined the Earthcolor dye with the Brand Logo hoody in traceable sustainable materials to get the maximum story sell through. 
Result: Obtained a 2 year regional exclusivity and launched the sustainably made EarthColors hoody in the same year as Patagonia. Garnering global press and providing the Kathmandu Brand with a growable product story that speaks the brand values to the broadest customer base.

Trend

August 2014

In the industry, each situation is unique and requires a specific set of solutions. This includes trend and how the trend is presented to the given audience.
Problem: Needed a tool to define the key material goals with the Design Director. Ultimately facilitating fabric choices on a short timeline in order to meet the production calendar milestones. 
Solution: Create style and mood definitions for each brand division that were paired with fabric headers pre selections.  Used Design language to work with my design partners to reach production goals.
Result: I helped my teams define the overall material aesthetic that would compliment their design direction.  Furthering strategic planning, saving time and building partnerships.  We were able to achieve a great end result with smiles and grace.

Fabric Standardisation

2009

I have standardised fabrics for a few brands. The biggest project was for Target Brands in Minneapolis MN.  
Problem: How to get equivalent fabric quality of same fabrics from multiple mills in multiple countries. Geographic blueprint for this project was Korea, China, India, Pakistan, and Egypt. Minimum of 2 mills per country. 
Solution:  Research commodity yarn for each country and verify with mills in the business of producing the same or similar fabrics in the project.  Manage expectations on all sides, internal partners, and mill partners. Did this by creating a written technical descriptions, with technical drawings and fabric swatch attached fro reference. Essentially creating a standardised development pack that was sent physically and digitally to all mills in the project. 
Result:  All fabric submits from all mills, appx 10, were able to be approved as equal qualities through testing and aesthetic approvals on the first submit. Previously this took 4 or 5 submissions.  Now allowing the garments to be made more quickly with more flexibility globally for the company. I standardised about 25 fabrics in this way, which in the first year saved the company millions of dollars.

Bio

A bit about me

A textile materials and colour specialist,  expert in fibre, textile and garment design and development,

brand and retailing. Well-connected in the technical fibre industry and a university lecturer, Have strong international experience with Kathmandu, Reebok and Hanes retail brands.  Trusted international network in the raw materials supply chain. 

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The best definition of a consultant that I have read is that a consultant is there to get results.  This is true for me. 

I truely believe in working as a team to Dream Big, Get sh*t Done, and Have fun. 

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Get in touch with me today for a free consultation.

Paul Cowell - Global Head of Brand Marketing at Archroma

"It was a real pleasure working together with Colleen. Her knowledge of what was necessary to push the projects through to completion was invaluable and her drive and commitment to make sure the job got done was exceptional. I look forward to working on more joint projects and expect the same level of success."

William Blasius - Research Scientist at Technic Engineered Powders

"Colleen is driven by her sense of curiosity to explore better and unique ways of assembling textiles to create differentiated products for her company. I've always been impressed with her technical knowledge, sense of style and ability to coordinate the textile supply chain over multiple continents. We can't spend any time together without pushing the conceptual boundaries of polymers and textiles. I'm quite sure that a good number of the next textile innovations will happen because of Colleen's vision and perseverance."

Birgit Leitner - 
Product Design & Development Lead at Propel LLC

"Colleen brings creativity, expertise and a great attitude to a very complex process.
Her deep understanding of materials allow her to translate the consumer’s unmet needs into relevant product solutions, new ideas and relevant technologies."

Muneesh Purwaha
Lead Designer - Men's Apparel at New Balance

"Colleen has an in-depth knowledge of the textile industry. Her skill at developing and identifying technical sports materials helped my team and myself create exceptional product for Reebok.
Colleen has build very strong relationships with worldwide material vendors, who are always eager to help and create business with her."

Material Development

My clients are my number one priority, and I’ll go the extra mile to make sure they’re completely satisfied with my work. Have a specific project that requires professional attention? My services are designed to tackle even the most complex projects. Contact me today to discover how I can help.

Colour

This specific service is designed to analyze, confront, and solve your business needs. I provide customized solutions to all of my clients, and am an extremely results-oriented professional. I will work with you throughout the entire decision-making process and guarantee success. Contact me to find out how I can help today.

Strategizing

My clients are my number one priority, and I’ll go the extra mile to make sure they’re completely satisfied with my work. Have a specific project that requires professional attention? My services are designed to tackle even the most complex projects. Contact me today to discover how I can help.